This psalm celebrates the LORD's reign with imagery of awe, judgment, and joy. The whole earth is called to rejoice, yet God's kingship is not sentimental: clouds, darkness, fire, and lightning surround his appearing, and mountains melt before him. Idolaters are put to shame, Zion rejoices at his judgments, and those who love the LORD are called to hate evil, rejoice in his light, and give thanks to his holy name.
Psalm 97 is an enthronement psalm that holds together majesty and morality. It teaches that God's reign is terrifying to false worship and oppressive evil, but a cause of gladness, protection, and light for those who belong to him.
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T1he LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; 2Clouds and darkness surround Him; 3Fire goes before Him 4His lightning illuminates the world; 5The mountains melt like wax 6The heavens proclaim His righteousness;
7All worshipers of images are put to shame — 8Zion hears and rejoices, 9For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth;
10Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! 11Light shines on the righteous, 12Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones,
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